Listening to the voice of my heart has never come easy for me. I’m usually quick to assume a present feeling is final, an agony is forever, or that all of my questions should have answers and answers NOW.
Tag Archives: Monks
The Great Anesthetic of Modern Day Life
(Originally posted on The Huffington Post Blog.) “The world is like an anesthetic… people are not going beyond the superficial to the meaning of life — they don’t even ask that question because they’re caught up in that anesthetizing process.” A Monk of Holy Trinity Abbey, Utah I woke up this morning with an overwhelmingContinue reading “The Great Anesthetic of Modern Day Life”
Slowing Down to Listen
Just a couple of months ago, in November of 2014, I was on a work trip in New York City. Naturally, and true to New York City, my days were filled with travel, organizing, preparing, and little to no down time. While I was there, my friend Bill called and left a voicemail on aContinue reading “Slowing Down to Listen”
Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey
Guadalupe Abbey is amid the valleys of wine country in Oregon, just southwest of Portland and inland from the brilliant Oregon coastline. Appropriately so, the abbey grounds were in full bloom for Easter weekend, and the forest that rested in the background was aglow. I wasn’t sure what to expect at Our Lady of GuadalupeContinue reading “Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey”
Abbey of Gethsemani • Trappist, KY
The Abbey of Gethsemani was the first monastery I have ever traveled to, so there was something delightful about returning to ‘where it all began.’ While I now sense a greater home at New Melleray (due to my more frequent stays and being from Iowa), I’m still so thankful and reverent of the introduction toContinue reading “Abbey of Gethsemani • Trappist, KY”
Mepkin Abbey • Moncks Corner, SC
Mepkin Abbey is a very lush area in South Carolina. The beauty of the land was undeniable, before even knowing about the various gardens, dedicated grounds, and even labyrinth located on the monastic grounds. Unfortunately, I spent a short time at Mepkin, but still felt extraordinarily welcomed, loved, humbled, and honored to experience this monastery.Continue reading “Mepkin Abbey • Moncks Corner, SC”
Holy Spirit Abbey • Conyers, GA
A trip that began with humility, upon arriving a day early late at night and being welcomed by a monk, ended with extreme elation, in being able to meet with several monks regarding the topics I had hoped to discuss. Going from Assumption Abbey to Holy Spirit Abbey may be an extreme contrast – butContinue reading “Holy Spirit Abbey • Conyers, GA”
Assumption Abbey • Ava, MO
It’s interesting how complacency draws us away from a place or position. I’ve found in my own life that complacency can be a friend or an enemy (in which case my lack of contentment may not be due to complacency — ugh, semantics). I often wonder and look back on times in which what IContinue reading “Assumption Abbey • Ava, MO”
